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Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)

What are SVHCs and how do they relate to water?

Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are chemicals that pose risks to human health and the environment, such as PFAS, mercury, and lead. They hardly degrade, accumulate in the environment, and therefore cause long‑lasting effects on water quality, ecology, and public health.

Under the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet), discharges of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) fall under environmentally harmful activities. This means that both direct discharges (to surface water or via a water authority’s treatment plant) and indirect discharges (via the sewer system or a private treatment facility) are subject to strict regulations. The law requires that emissions of SVHCs to water must be prevented and minimised as much as possible.

For companies, this means that permit applications must demonstrate which SVHCs are released, which measures have been taken to limit emissions, and how compliance is ensured. For the competent authority — often the provincial government, environmental agency, or water authority — the focus lies on assessing discharges, evaluating minimisation pathways, and formulating enforceable permit conditions.

Support by Cantech

For companies

For discharges involving Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), Cantech helps companies comply with the requirements of the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) and the Activities Decree (Bal). We identify which substances are released, how they originate, and which measures can be implemented to minimise emissions.

Our support focuses on:

  • the execution of ZZS inventories and the assessment of discharge streams;
  • the preparation of minimisation plans and the substantiation of permit applications;
  • the execution or assessment of ABM and immission tests;
  • and advising on applicable measures and Best Available Techniques (BAT).

Cantech combines expertise in process operations, legislation, and water quality to guide permitting procedures in a practical, comprehensive, and well‑substantiated manner.

For government authorities

Cantech supports government authorities in the assessment and evaluation of discharges containing Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC/ZZS). We assist in interpreting relevant regulations, reviewing permit applications, and developing consistent assessment frameworks.

Our activities include, among others:

  • the assessment of permit applications and ABM reports;
  • the verification of SVHC inventories and minimisation plans;
  • the development of tailored permit conditions and well‑substantiated recommendations;
  • and updating permits or ensuring policy harmonisation between competent authorities.

This is how Cantech supports public authorities in careful decision‑making and in the consistent practical application of SVHC regulations.

Curious what this means for your organization? Together, we’ll map out which obligations and choices are relevant in your situation.

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